Guatemala: Authorities to record police operations

About 300 of the 3,000 vehicles used by the National Civil Police (PNC) to patrol the streets of Guatemala will use video cameras to record patrols, according to Adela Camacho, the commissioner for police reform.

The goal is to improve security nationwide, reduce the cases of police abuse and ensure officers are following protocols while making arrests.

The US$5.2 million investment, which is being carried out by the Ministry of the Interior, is the first step in modernizing the PNC, Camacho said.

“It provides us with much more flexibility because it will provide real-time information,” Camacho added. “It’s a first step that’s being implemented in the police force. It’s needed to strengthen ties between the police and the Interior Ministry.”